Dergiler / Trakya University Journal of Natural Sciences / 2026 / Volume: 27 Issue: 2

Potential protective role of liquid vermicompost against Kathon CG-induced cytogenotoxicity and DNA damage in Pisum sativum var. arvense L. root meristem cells

Burcu Yüksel(KOCAELI UNIVERSITY, KOCAELİ HEALTH SERVICES VOCATIONAL SCHOOL, DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL SERVICES AND TECHNIQUES, MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNIQUES PR. (EVENING EDUCATION))0000-0001-8691-6447
Duygu Aydın(KOCAELI UNIVERSITY, FACULTY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES, DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY, BIOLOGY PR.)0000-0003-0969-5171
Özlem Aksoy(KOCAELI UNIVERSITY, FACULTY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES, DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY, BIOLOGY PR.)0000-0003-4909-3562
Dilek Sezer(KOCAELI UNIVERSITY, FACULTY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES, DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY, BIOLOGY PR.)0009-0008-3448-381X
Sayfa
—
Yayın Tarihi
2026-10-15
🏛️Bu makalenin bibliyografik verileri ve tam metin bağlantısı DergiPark üzerinden sağlanmıştır.
DergiPark Kaydı ↗
✨

Yapay Zeka Hızlı Bakış & Çıkarımlar

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(1 Cümlede Hızlı Çıkarım)

These findings demonstrate associations rather than experimentally validated mechanisms, and extend the evidence for LVC–mediated protection beyond simple recovery of mitotic activity, supporting the further evaluation of vermicompost-based biostimulants under biocide-induced stress.

📌 3 Maddede Bu Makale

🎯
Amaç & Hipotez:Background: Kathon CG is a widely used isothiazolinone-based biocide, and its release into agricultural soils and surface waters raises concerns regarding its potential cytogenetic effects on non-target plant species.
📊
Temel Bulgular & Veri:Methods: Seeds were exposed for 48 h to Kathon CG at the half-maximal effective concentration (EC50): EC50/2 (1.5 ml L−1), EC50 (3 ml L−1), and 2 × EC50 (6 ml L−1), with or without 10% (v/v) LVC.
💡
Sonuç & Katkı:These findings demonstrate associations rather than experimentally validated mechanisms, and extend the evidence for LVC–mediated protection beyond simple recovery of mitotic activity, supporting the further evaluation of vermicompost-based biostimulants under biocide-induced stress.
🔬Tür:Research Article
📍Kapsam:Genişletilmiş Akademik Örneklem
⚙️Değişkenler:Comet assay · chromosomal aberrations · genoprotection

Abstract

Background: Kathon CG is a widely used isothiazolinone-based biocide, and its release into agricultural soils and surface waters raises concerns regarding its potential cytogenetic effects on non-target plant species. Aims: This study evaluated the cytogenotoxic effects of Kathon CG and the potential protective role of Liquid Vermicompost (LVC) in root meristem cells of Pisum sativum var. arvense L. Methods: Seeds were exposed for 48 h to Kathon CG at the half-maximal effective concentration (EC50): EC50/2 (1.5 ml L−1), EC50 (3 ml L−1), and 2 × EC50 (6 ml L−1), with or without 10% (v/v) LVC. Cytogenetic endpoints, including mitotic index (MI) and chromosomal and nuclear abnormalities, were scored in at least 5,000 cells per group. Concurrently, DNA strand breaks were quantified in isolated nuclei using the alkaline Comet assay. Results: Kathon CG produced a severe, dose-dependent suppression of mitotic activity, with MI decreasing from 12.89% in the negative control to 1.20% at 6 ml L−1. This was accompanied by increased frequencies of chromosomal aberrations and lethal nuclear abnormalities (pyknotic nuclei and ghost cells), together with elevated DNA damage parameters, including % Tail DNA and Tail Moment. Co-application of 10% LVC partially restored the MI (to 7.68% at 6 ml L−1), markedly reduced severe nuclear lesions (pyknotic nuclei and ghost cells became almost absent, and the frequency of abnormal mitoses decreased by approximately 30–40%), and significantly reduced Comet assay parameters, particularly at the 1.5 ml L−1 dose. A mild increase in Comet assay parameters was also detected in the LVC-only control. as reactive oxygen species levels and antioxidant markers were not measured, this finding is tentatively interpreted as a low-amplitude, repairable response that may be consistent with the redox-priming activity reported for bioactive humic constituents. Conclusion: This study provides cytogenetic and single-cell electrophoretic evidence supporting a genoprotective role of LVC against Kathon CG-induced damage. These findings demonstrate associations rather than experimentally validated mechanisms, and extend the evidence for LVC–mediated protection beyond simple recovery of mitotic activity, supporting the further evaluation of vermicompost-based biostimulants under biocide-induced stress.

🔖

Bu Makaleye Atıf Yap

Yüksel, B., Aydın, D., Aksoy, Ö., Sezer, D. (2026). Potential protective role of liquid vermicompost against Kathon CG-induced cytogenotoxicity and DNA damage in Pisum sativum var. arvense L. root meristem cells. Trakya University Journal of Natural Sciences, Volume: 27 Issue: 2. https://doi.org/10.23902/trkjnat.2003687

📄 Tam Metin PDF Okuyucu

📄

PDF görüntüleyici hazırlanıyor...

Kaynakça (44)

  1. Afanasieva, K., & Sivolob, A. (2018). Physical principles and new applications of the comet assay. Biophysical Chemistry, 238, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpc.2018.04.003
  2. Aksoy, O., Aydın, D., & Yüksel, B. (2022). The healing effect of liquid vermicompost against Kathon CG application in Pisum sativum spp. arvense. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 44, 5. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11738-021-03340-z
  3. Alias, C., Zerbini, I., Zani, C., & Feretti, D. (2024). The Allium cepa comet assay for environmental sample assessment: a scoping review. Mutagenesis, 39(4–5), 219–237. https://doi.org/10.1093/mutage/geae020
  4. Aydın, D., & Yüksel, B. (2022). Lessening the toxic effect of methylisothiazolinone via vermicompost tea on Pisum sativum. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29, 50443–50453. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-19396-4
  5. Azqueta, A., & Collins, A. R. (2013). The essential comet assay: A comprehensive guide to measuring DNA damage and repair. Archives of Toxicology, 87, 949–968. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-013-1070-0
  6. Bhat, S. A., Singh, S., Singh, J., Kumar, S., & Vig, A. P. (2018). Bioremediation and detoxification of industrial wastes by earthworms: Vermicompost as a powerful crop nutrient in sustainable agriculture. Bioresource Technology, 252, 172–179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2018.01.003
  7. Blouin, M., Barrere, J., Meyer, N., Lartigue, S., Barot, S., & Mathieu, J. (2019). Vermicompost significantly affects plant growth: A meta-analysis. Agronomy for Sustainable Development, 39, 34. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13593-019-0579-x
  8. De Oliveira Sátiro, J. N., García, A. C., de Souza, A. F. F., de Oliveira, C. C. L., Nogueira, A. L. S. P., dos Santos, R. V., … Santos, L. A. (2026). Humic acid induces an adaptive stress response during early signaling in rice. Physiologia Plantarum, 178(2), e70877. https://doi.org/10.1111/ppl.70877
  9. De Souza, A. F. F., García, A. C., de Oliveira Sátiro, J. N., de Lima, B. R., Fernandes, M. S., Berbara, R. L. L., & Santos, L. A. (2025). Humic acid regulates root growth through ROS-dependent pathway and hormone signalling in rice. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 73(31), 18243–18256. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.5c06288
  10. Do, V. Q., Seo, Y. S., Park, J. M., Yu, J., Men, T. H. D., Nakai, J., Kim, S. K., Ahn, H. C., & Lee, M. Y. (2021). A mixture of chloromethylisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone impairs rat vascular smooth muscle by depleting thiols and elevating cytosolic Zn²⁺ and reactive oxygen species. Archives of Toxicology, 95, 541–556. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-020-02927-8
  11. Domínguez, J., Aira, M., Crandall, K. A., & Pérez-Losada, M. (2021). Earthworms drastically change fungal and bacterial communities during vermicomposting of sewage sludge. Scientific Reports, 11, 15457. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-95099-z
  12. Ferguson, L. R., Chen, H., Collins, A. R., Connell, M., Damia, G., Dasgupta, S., et al. (2015). Genomic instability in human cancer: Molecular insights and opportunities for therapeutic attack and prevention through diet and nutrition. Seminars in Cancer Biology, 35, S5–S24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semcancer.2015.03.005
  13. Fusconi, A., Repetto, O., Bona, E., Massa, N., Gallo, C., Dumas-Gaudot, E., & Berta, G. (2006). Effect of cadmium on meristem activity and nucleus ploidy in roots of Pisum sativum L. cv. Frisson seedlings. Environmental and Experimental Botany, 58, 253–260. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envexpbot.2005.09.008
  14. García, A. C., Santos, L. A., Izquierdo, F. G., Sperandio, M. V. L., Castro, R. N., & Berbara, R. L. L. (2012). Vermicompost humic acids as an ecological pathway to protect rice plants against oxidative stress. Ecological Engineering, 47, 203–208. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2012.06.011
  15. Ghaffari, H., Tadayon, M. R., Bahador, M., & Razmjoo, J. (2022). Biochemical and yield response of sugar beet to drought stress and foliar application of vermicompost tea. Plant Stress, 5, 100087. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stress.2022.100087
  16. Gholami, H., Fard, F. R., Saharkhiz, M. J., & Ghani, A. (2018). Yield and physicochemical properties of inulin obtained from Iranian chicory roots under vermicompost and humic acid treatments. Industrial Crops and Products, 123, 610–616. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2018.07.041
  17. Gichner, T., Patkova, Z., & Kim, J. K. (2003). DNA damage measured by the Comet assay in eight agronomic plants. Biologia Plantarum, 47, 185–188. https://doi.org/10.1023/B:BIOP.0000022248.36488.94
  18. Jamil, A., Mehmood, R., Mehmood, F., Naveed, M., Mustafa, A., Sarfraz, S., & Faizan, M. (2025). Comparative cytotoxic and genotoxic assessment of methylparaben and propylparaben on Allium cepa root tips by Comet and Allium cepa assays. Environmental Toxicology, 40(12), 1417–1426. https://doi.org/10.1002/tox.24553
  19. Karakas Zeybek, D., Ari, F., & Ulukaya, E. (2017). The MTT viability assay yields strikingly false-positive viabilities, although the cells are killed by some plant extracts. Turkish Journal of Biology, 41, 919–925. https://doi.org/10.3906/biy-1704-77
  20. Kim, J., & Choi, J. (2023). Trans- and multigenerational effects of isothiazolinone biocide CMIT/MIT on genotoxicity and epigenotoxicity in Daphnia magna. Toxics, 11(4), 388. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11040388
  21. Kim, M. K., Kim, K. B., Lee, J. Y., Kwack, S. J., Kwon, Y. C., Kang, J. S., Kim, H. S., & Lee, B.-M. (2019). Risk assessment of 5-chloro-2-methylisothiazol-3(2H)-one/2-methylisothiazol-3(2H)-one (CMIT/MIT) used as a preservative in cosmetics. Toxicological Research, 35, 103–117. https://doi.org/10.5487/TR.2019.35.2.103
  22. Kresmann, S., Arokia, A. H. R., Koch, C., & Sures, B. (2018). Ecotoxicological potential of the biocides terbutryn, octhilinone and methylisothiazolinone: Underestimated risk from biocidal pathways? Science of the Total Environment, 625, 900–908. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.12.297
  23. Lee, J., Lee, H., Jang, S., Hong, S. H., Kim, W. J., Ryu, S. M., et al. (2019). CMIT/MIT induce apoptosis and inflammation in alveolar epithelial cells through the p38/JNK/ERK1/2 signalling pathway. Molecular & Cellular Toxicology, 15, 41–48. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13273-019-0005-0
  24. Leme, D. M., & Marin-Morales, M. A. (2009). Allium cepa test in environmental monitoring: A review on its application. Mutation Research/Reviews in Mutation Research, 682, 71–81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mrrev.2009.06.002
  25. Makkar, C., Singh, J., Parkash, C., Singh, S., Vig, A. P., & Dhaliwal, S. S. (2022). Vermicompost acts as a bio-modulator for plants under stress and non-stress conditions. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 25, 2006–2026. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-022-02132-w
  26. Olive, P. L., & Durand, R. E. (2005). Heterogeneity in DNA damage using the Comet assay. Cytometry Part A, 66A, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1002/cyto.a.20154
  27. Pan, B., Ning, P., & Xing, B. (2008). Part V—sorption of pharmaceuticals and personal care products. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 16, 106–116. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-008-0052-x
  28. Park, E. J., Kim, S., & Chang, J. (2018). Methylisothiazolinone may induce cell death and inflammatory responses through DNA damage in human liver epithelium cells. Environmental Toxicology, 33, 156–166. https://doi.org/10.1002/tox.22504
  29. Park, E. J., Han, J. S., Seong, E., Park, E. J., Lee, B. S., Lee, S. J., & Lee, K. (2020). Inhaled Kathon may induce eosinophilia-mediated disease in the lung. Environmental Toxicology, 35, 27–36. https://doi.org/10.1002/tox.22839
  30. Salter, C. E., & Edwards, C. A. (2010). The production of vermicompost aqueous solutions or teas. In C. A. Edwards, N. Q. Arancon, & R. Sherman (Eds.), Vermiculture technology: Earthworms, organic wastes, and environmental management (pp. 153–163). CRC Press.
  31. Silva, V., Silva, C., Soares, P., Garrido, E. M., Borges, F., & Garrido, J. (2020). Isothiazolinone biocides: Chemistry, biological and toxicity profiles. Molecules, 25, 991. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25040991
  32. Singh, A., Karmegam, N., Singh, G. S., Bhadauria, T., Chang, S. W., Awasthi, M. K., et al. (2020). Earthworms and vermicompost: An eco-friendly approach for repaying nature’s debt. Environmental Geochemistry and Health, 42, 1617–1642. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-019-00510-4
  33. Sulaiman, I. S. C., & Mohamad, A. (2020). The use of vermiwash and vermicompost extract in plant disease and pest control. In M. Egbuna, B. Sawicka (Eds.), Natural remedies for pest, disease and weed control (pp. 187–201). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-819304-4.00016-6
  34. Türkoğlu, Ş. (2012). Determination of genotoxic effects of chlorfenvinphos and fenbuconazole in Allium cepa root cells by mitotic activity, chromosome aberration and Comet assays. Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology, 103, 224–230. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pestbp.2012.06.001
  35. Tufail, M., Luqman, M., Mehmood, Z., Abbas, W., Iqbal, M., Shah, H., Awan, I.F., Sana, N., John, A., Rafiq, S., Riaz, S., Ahmad, A., Tahir, A., & Awan, M. U. F. (2026). Impact of food processing industry wastewater on root growth and DNA damage in Allium cepa L. as assessed by the comet assay. Water, 18(3), 435. https://doi.org/10.3390/w18030435
  36. Xiao, Z., Liu, M., Jiang, L., Chen, X., Griffiths, B. S., Li, H., & Hu, F. (2016). Vermicompost increases defence against root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) in tomato plants. Applied Soil Ecology, 105, 177–186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2016.04.003
  37. Yatoo, A. M., Ali, M. N., Baba, Z. A., & Hassan, B. (2021a). Sustainable management of diseases and pests in crops by vermicompost and vermicompost tea. A review. Agronomy for Sustainable Development, 41, 39. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13593-021-00692-1
  38. Yatoo, A. M., Rasool, S., Ali, S., Majid, S., Rehman, M. U., Ali, M. N., Eachkoti,R., Rasool, S., Rashid, S. M., & Farooq, S. (2021b). Vermicomposting: An eco-friendly approach for recycling/management of organic wastes. In K. Hakeem, R. Bhat, & H. Qadri (Eds.), Bioremediation and biotechnology (pp. 167–187). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-35691-0_8
  39. Yıldız, M., Ciğerci, İ. H., Konuk, M., Fidan, A. F., & Terzi, H. (2009). Determination of genotoxic effects of copper sulphate and cobalt chloride in Allium cepa root cells by chromosome aberration and Comet assays. Chemosphere, 75, 934–938. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2009.01.023
  40. Younis, M. E., Abdel-Aziz, H. M. M., & Heikal, Y. M. (2019). Nanopriming technology enhances vigour and mitotic index of aged Vicia faba seeds using chemically synthesised silver nanoparticles. South African Journal of Botany, 125, 393–401. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2019.08.013
  41. Yüksel, B., & Aksoy, O. (2017). Cytological effects of coumarin on the mitosis of Lens culinaris Medik. Fresenius Environmental Bulletin, 26, 6400–6407.
  42. Yüksel, B., Aydın, D., & Aksoy, O. (2022). The impact of vermicompost on Pisum sativum spp. arvense L. exposed to methylisothiazolinone. Biologia, 77, 1109–1119. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11756-021-00977-6
  43. Zhang, H., Tan, S. N., Teo, C. H., Yew, Y. R., Ge, L., Chen, X., & Yong, J. W. H. (2015). Analysis of phytohormones in vermicompost using a novel combinative sample preparation strategy of ultrasound-assisted extraction and solid-phase extraction coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Talanta, 139, 189–197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.talanta.2015.02.052
  44. Tufail, M., Luqman, M., Mehmood, Z., Abbas, W., Iqbal, M., Shah, H., Awan, I.F., Sana, N., John, A., Rafiq, S., Riaz, S., Ahmad, A., Tahir, A., & Awan, M. U. F. (2026). Impact of food processing industry wastewater on root growth and DNA damage in Allium cepa L. as assessed by the comet assay. Water, 18(3), 435. https://doi.org/10.3390/w18030435